We live on a newish estate (6 years old) and housemartis have found us in some numbers this year - lots of nests and young. Currently the birds are exhibiting behaviour I have not seen explained anywhere. They are flying round in quite large numbers and then they fly up to the eaves of a house and grab onto the rendering and 'sit' there for a while, making their normal calls and then suddenly all let go together and swoop around before returning. Sometimes they will perch on the roof instead (it's a very steep pitch). A couple of pictures of this are attached.
Can anyone tell me what they're doing?
Many thanks
Ian
Hi Ian, I think this is typical behaviour from House Martins as they sometimes gather in numbers before beginning their long migration to sub saharan Africa. Take a look HERE for a few facts. Wonderful birds to watch and so lovely to see this group in your photograph as their numbers generally are dropping significantly so we need to try encourage house martin nesting when they return next springtime to UK.
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Regards, Hazel
It is typical housemartin behaviour, as the last broods to fledge are building their flying capabilities up before the long flight south.There could also be insects on the side walls, so if they're pecking at the stone work, again, that is normal.
The following two links are from photos I took of housemartins mid-September time 2019, clinging to the side walls of Charlecote House in Warwickshire, a haven for housemartins among other species.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peak-rambler/48763879583/in/album-72157710671704718/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peak-rambler/48764204086/in/album-72157710671704718/
Enjoy what you're seeing, nature at one of its many fabulous moments.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler